Incontinence care not a problem at Springdale: Imamovic
Thursday March 6, 2008 -- Camille Jensen
Maureen Imamovic, administrator at Springdale Country Manor, wants to dispel the myth that all residents in long-term care are not receiving proper incontinence changes.

Worried the public is getting the wrong impression of long-term care, Imamovic wants to let people know that residents at the Peterborough long-term care home are changed consistently.

“It’s never been an issue,” says Imamovic. “We don’t wait until 50 per cent or 75 per cent, if a resident needs or wants to be changed they’re changed.”

The issue of incontinence changes has become a hot-button subject in long-term care as the Ontario Long-Term Care Association campaigns for increased funding from the provincial government.

Recent press has alleged that residents are not receiving proper incontinence changes and are often left uncared for.

Imamovic says that such types of generalizations are not reflective of the different types of care offered at different homes.

“It paints the industry with a really broad brush,” says Imamovic who says that OMNI homes offer proper incontinence care. The recent attention is also not giving proper credit to the hard work of care aides.

“The stuff that has been in an the media lately, when you work in the industry and you work in a good home it’s hard stuff to hear,” she says.

The issue has also spurred a province-wide inspection from the government regarding incontinence care. The inspection was initiated due to complaints from the public.

Springdale Country Manor was one of the homes which received a surprise visit. Imamovic says the inspection was a good way to highlight that the home is taking care of residents. The frontline staff answered questions on how often they provide incontinence care showing the inspector how well residents are taken care of.

While Imamovic believes the issue is important, she feels there are many other issues that need attention in long-term care. An area that needs more attention, she says, is an increase in  funding for dietary staff. 

Imamovic says more funding would help the home increase its nutritional staff who need help in the kitchen. While she feels the dietary staff are doing a great job, more dietary staff is needed to be able to provide fresh and unprocessed food for residents. 

If you have feedback on this story, please call the newsroom at (800) 294-0051 or e-mail camille(at)axiomnews.ca.